Scaly, itchy scalp?

My three year old has suddenly developed a dry, scaly scalp. It isn't cradle cap. I know what that looks like. This is white, scaly skin. It's not really flaking off, though. It covers her entire scalp, not patches. It drives her crazy; it itches so bad. I am taking her to the doctor. I just wondered if anyone knew what it could be.

Scaly, itchy scalp?
See a dermatologist. It can be several things including a mild fungal infection which is consuming the top layer of the skin which is resulting in accelerating the "aging of keratin"(flaking).





Anti-dandruff shampoos contain fungicides (zinc pyrithione, selenium sulphide, etc.), but they may not necessarily fix the problem.
Reply:I do not know what it is called, but I know washing the hair with Selsun Blue a few times a week will help clear it up.
Reply:Maybe it's psoriasis
Reply:It could possibly be a nasty case if ringworm. If not, then it must be dandruff, although you did say that it has not been flaking off. Hmm...this is tough. Just take her to the doctor and maybe they'll prescribe her something. I'm terribly sorry, I'm not a doctor. I wich I could help you. Good luck, though:)
Reply:Sometimes I get that if I continuously use the same shampoo %26amp; conditioner. So I switch it every time I have to get shampoo. Plus it could depend on the weather where your at. I live in Canada where its very cold %26amp; dry so using a shampoo %26amp; conditioner with extra moisture is good for you too!
Reply:Seborrheic dermatosis, ie dandruff.





Dandruff is usually treated with a shampoo that contains salicylic acid (some brand names: X-Seb, Scalpicin), the prescription medicine selenium sulfide (brand names: Selsun, Exsel) or pyrithione zinc (some brand names: DHS Zinc, Head %26amp; Shoulders). These shampoos can be used 2 times a week. Shampoos with coal tar (some brand names: DHS Tar, Neutrogena T/Gel, Polytar) may be used 3 times a week. If you have dandruff, you might start by using one of these shampoos daily until your dandruff is controlled, and then use it 2 or 3 times a week.





When you use a dandruff shampoo, rub the shampoo into your hair thoroughly and let it stay on your hair and scalp for at least 5 minutes before rinsing. This will give it time to work.





If the shampoo alone doesn't help, your doctor might want you to use a prescription steroid lotion once or twice daily, in addition to the shampoo.